Re: The Grammar discussion

I keep hearing too many people using "a" instead of "an" in front of a word that begins with a vowel. A elephant, a educational guess, a interesting storyline, a orange rather than "an elephant, etc." It drives me nuts!

Re: The Grammar discussion

Originally Posted by MamaC;3384358;

I keep hearing too many people using "a" instead of "an" in front of a word that begins with a vowel. A elephant, a educational guess, a interesting storyline, a orange rather than "an elephant, etc." It drives me nuts!

I think those are the same people who will "aks you if you want a orange".

Re: The Grammar discussion

MRD... that's pretty common around here as well, although it does tend to be an inner city trend.

I normally avoid this thread as grammatical errors can tend to make me shiver as if I were hearing fingernails on a chalkboard. But you've named some of my worst offenders -- apostrophes in plural words (!!!!), apostrophes in the incorrect spots when showing possession (I have to drive by this house with a sign indicating "The Parker's" all of the time. One of these days I'm going to make a new one that says "The Parkers' " and replace it!), "him and I" at the beginning of a sentence, "I seen this movie....", etc.

I wasn't aware that the 's after a name ending in s had become acceptable, either. But then I was surprised during one of my first MBA classes when I was advised that you no longer needed to add two spaces after a period. One space is now the acceptable (and APA dictated) rule. As you can see... this old fuddy duddy still can't get used to it. I have to remind myself when typing papers. UGH.

MRD... you know the true Southern thing of beauty is when "Ain't y'all fixin' to carry your car to the shop?"

Re: The Grammar discussion

(I have to drive by this house with a sign indicating "The Parker's" all of the time. One of these days I'm going to make a new one that says "The Parkers' " and replace it!),

There's a whole subdivision near here like that! I guess the homeowner's association dictated that every home should have a sign announcing its contents, and had these made. I'm glad I don't really have to be over there often, because it drives me crazy. At the same time it makes me wonder about the 200+ families that apparently don't know or care that the signs that are incorrect, and then I wonder more why anyone would agree that they MUST have a sign out front. What if events became such that you might not want anyone to know exactly which house is yours?
Yes, I do tend to overthink things sometimes. It keeps me from dwelling on important matters.